Food & Drink Containing Sulfites

Wine is a leading cause for consternation about sulfites.

Sulfites are sulphur-based compounds. These can occur naturally in foods. Sulfites are added to some foods, mostly to act as a preservative. Six sulfites are used in conjunction with food and drink: sodium sulfite, sodium bisulfite, sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and potassium metabisulfite.

Labeling Requirements

Since 1986 the Food and Drug Administration has prohibited the use of sulfites with fruits and vegetables that are meant to be consumed raw, and it has also mandated that foods containing sulfites show this on their labels.

Food and Drink Containing Sulfites

Food and drinks that contain sulfites include baked goods, horseradish, relish, canned clams, frozen shrimp, gelatins, jams, jellies, grape juice, apple cider, maraschino cherries, sauerkraut, instant mashed potatoes, trail mixes, dried soup mixes and wine. Though sulfites are produced by yeast naturally during the fermentation process, it is also added to wines as a preservative.

Allergic Reactions

Sulfites can cause allergic reactions in an estimated one percent of people, according to the FDA. Between five and 10 percent of asthma sufferers are allergic to sulfites. These reactions can possibly be fatal in a similar percentage of cases.

References

• "The Visual Food Encyclopedia: The Definitive Practical Guide to Food and Cooking"; Francois Fortin, editorial director; 1996
• "Food Lover's Companion: Comprehensive Definitions of Nearly 6,000 Food, Drink, and Culinary Terms"; Sharon Tyler Herbst; 2001
• "WebMD": Allergies and Sulfite Sensitivity; Jonathan L Gelfand, MD; Feb. 5, 2009
• "WebMD": "Asthma and Sulfite Allergies; James E. Gerace, MD; Feb. 21, 2010
• Food Marketing Institute

Resources

• "WebMD": Allergies and Sulfite Sensitivity; Jonathan L Gelfand, MD; Feb. 5, 2009
• "WebMD": "Asthma and Sulfite Allergies; James E. Gerace, MD; Feb. 21, 2010
• Food Marketing Institute